When asked if the injury had anything to do with his back, Kuroda said it did not. He is day-to-day and questionable for his next scheduled start Monday in New York against the Mets. 

Kuroda had his worst outing of the season before leaving Wednesday. He had not allowed a home run in his previous two starts and had allowed one over his last four outings, but surrendered two Wednesday. In fact, entering the start he'd given up three homers all year over 58 2/3 innings. 

Kuroda also allowed the first stolen base against him this season when Nate McLouth took second. Kuroda was 6-2 with a 1.99 ERA entering Wednesday. 

"We won't have to worry about that for another 10 days," Hurdle said. "We all believe that starting is Charlie's niche right now."

Gomez has a 2.78 ERA and has allowed six runs in 18 2/3 innings in four starts. 

"I take offense to that," Ethier said.

Specifically, Ethier was unhappy that Mattingly did not say anything to him personally about the perceived issue with his work ethic.

"But other than that, it's one where I feel like every day I show up and I'm trying to figure out ways to compete," Ethier said. "I work hard. Whether I'm going good or going bad, I work just as hard, both sides. Obviously, when things are going bad, I'm trying even harder to figure out how to make things go right."

Ethier is batting .264 with a .758 on-base percentage, both career lows. 

Westbrook is dealing with inflammation in his elbow and had been limited to long toss before Wednesday. The next step is not known after this setback. 

Padres manager Bud Black told MLB.com that Forsythe will begin his rehab assignment Friday in Arizona, playing in extended spring training games. Forsythe has been out since spring training with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. 

Kuroda was hit in the calf by a line drive but remained in the game. Following Davis' single, Kuroda appeared to touch his back in discomfort. His next start is supposed to be Monday at the Mets. 

Kuroda allowed two homers in his two innings. Preston Claiborne's first pitch to Matt Wieters after Kuroda departed was a three-run homer to complete the starter's line. Kuroda allowed five runs on eight hits and no walks with no strikeouts.

The 38-year-old had been New York's best starter entering Wednesday with a 1.99 ERA and 6-2 record over his first nine outings. 

Gordon, following his first at-bat Wednesday, is 19 for 36 (.528) over his streak, with four doubles and two RBI. 

Dunn, who said his problem is more related to fielding, was the DH Wednesday against Boston. 

"It takes so long to get loose," Dunn said. "I have to probably go two or three batters before I normally do just to go and get loose again. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same."

Chicago is off Thursday before opening a three-game series against Miami Friday. 

"Laying down, that hurts it worse and sitting down makes it stiff," Dunn said. "So, I’m sure I’ll be walking around doing some stuff. Again, I never had any back problems. I don’t consider this a back problem really. But I don’t know. I guess it just has to run its course."

Dunn hit his 11th home run of the year Monday. With two on, Dunn sent a first-inning fastball from Jon Lester to right field. Dunn finished 1 for 3 with a walk. Dunn is hitting .172/.268/.428 in 145 at-bats.

Lannan has been on the disabled list since April 18 with a strained quadriceps tendon and has been limited to bullpen sessions.